1. “Preparation of Benzoic Acid by Hydrolysis of Ethyl Benzoate”
Benzoic acid can be prepared by the alkaline hydrolysis of the ester ethyl benzoate
The sodium benzoate salt is soluble in the reaction mixture so hydrochloric acid is used to displace the insoluble benzoic acid

2. “Preparation of Benzoic Acid by Hydrolysis of Ethyl Benzoate”
The initial hydrolysis is carried out under reflux

3. “Preparation of Benzoic Acid by Hydrolysis of Ethyl Benzoate”
The reaction mixture is then acidified and the resulting benzoic acid re-crystallized, dried and its melting point and yield determined . Mp = 122.4oC.
The stronger acid, HCl, displaces the weaker benzoic acid from it’s salt, sodium benzoate.